“The prophet who prophesies of peace, when the word of the prophet comes to pass, then the prophet shall be known as the one whom the LORD has truly sent.”
Jeremiah 28:9 (NKJV)
Yesterday, we started a mini-series looking at the events that took place before Jeremiah 29:11. We talked about Hananiah’s prophecy and the consequences of his lie. If you missed that, you can catch up here, then come right back. We will just continue from where we stopped.
As I read Jeremiah 28, I cannot help but picture myself among the people who were in the house of worship that day. A prophet stood before priests, before other prophets, and before a prophet as respected as Jeremiah, and boldly delivered a word. Then Jeremiah responded, “Amen. If the LORD has said it, may the LORD perform your words.”
Hope In A Lie
Honestly, if I were standing there, I would be hopeful. I would probably be shouting praise, already counting down the two years, already expecting my freedom from Babylon. And that right there is why God dealt with this situation decisively. God understands how easily the hearts of people can be shifted, how quickly hope can attach itself to a lie.
But today, I want us to talk to ourselves. To those of us who are often on the receiving end of prophetic words. To those of us who sit in the congregation. You are required to test every prophecy you receive. Scripture says a word must be established in the mouth of two or three witnesses [2 Corinthians 13:1]. Every prophecy must align with God’s written Word.
If the people had tested Hananiah’s prophecy, they would have known it was false. If they had gone back just a few chapters earlier to Jeremiah 25, they would have seen that God had already spoken clearly. The captivity would last seventy years [Jeremiah 25:11–12]. There was no room for a two-year-deliverance.
The Bible says Hananiah made the people trust in a lie [Jeremiah 28:15]. That tells us something important. On some level, they believed him. Their hearts had already shifted. God does not use careless words. If He said they trusted the lie, then expectation had already begun to grow in their hearts. That is why God sent a counterword so their trust would not continue in deception.
Examine Yourself
Beloved, when a word comes to you, test it against Scripture. Does it match what God has already said? People can call you with a prophecy, and it can sound spiritual, emotional, even convincing, and still be a lie.
Think about the prophet God sent in 1 Kings 13. God gave him clear instructions. Do not eat. Do not drink. Do not stop anywhere [1 Kings 13:9]. After completing the assignment, an older prophet lied to him and said, “God told me something different.” He did not check with God. Hunger, trust, or maybe respect for an older minister opened the door for deception, and it cost him his life [1 Kings 13:18–24].
Another time, false prophets were paid to intimidate Nehemiah. They told him to flee for his life, claiming it was God’s warning. Nehemiah discerned that God had not sent them [Nehemiah 6:10–13].
Human beings are fallible. People can be influenced, pressured, paid, afraid, or simply wrong. That is why Scripture says, “Let God be true but every man a liar” [Romans 3:4].
Again I Say
When a word comes, check the Bible. Even if Scripture is used, check the context. Pray in the Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit for revelation. Do not just accept words because they sound spiritual or because of who said them. You do not have to wait for a prophecy to come to pass before you know whether it is true. Sometimes waiting is costly.
Prayer
Lord, open my eyes and my heart to know Your truth. Help me to discern between what is from You and what is not. I receive the Spirit of wisdom and understanding. Make my spirit sensitive to Your voice. Teach me to test every word by Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible Reading for the Day
Morning: Jeremiah 25
Evening: Jeremiah 28, 1 Kings 13, Nehemiah 6
